Self-care is part of the answer to how we can all better cope with daily stressors. These stressors can be exacerbated by heightened emotions during the holiday season. With all the hustle and bustle comes expectations of where you should be, what you should be doing, who you should be with. Neglecting self-care during this time can leave you feeling depleted, anxious, or overwhelmed. It is important to take care of your mental and physical health during the holidays.
Self Care During the Holidays
- Stick With a Schedule: The holidays usually come with different commitments and special events. There are parties for work and gatherings for friends and you may feel like you’re constantly running from one thing to the next. This is why it is important to create a self-care schedule and stick with it. If you know that going for a quick walk helps you clear your mind, set aside time every week to walk. If you know that staying out late leaves you exhausted and foggy, keep your bedtime routine the same and make sure you get enough sleep.
- Find Healthy Coping Skills: Coping skills come in handy when you’re feeling overwhelmed. There are negative coping skills like turning to substance use, or positive ones like learning a new skill or craft. For example, if you love knitting, the holidays are a great time to create something cozy and warm. If you enjoy baking, this time of year is perfect for pulling out family recipes and sharing treats with friends. These activities can help you feel grounded and give you something to focus on.
- Stay Connected: For many people, the holidays can feel like a lonely time. Maybe you’ve experienced loss, or you’re not close with your family. Make sure that you have people in your circle you can reach out to when you are struggling to help you feel connected. If family gatherings aren’t on the table this year, FaceTime with friends or group watching a holiday movie on Disney+ can make you feel close to people no matter how far away they may be.
- Create Healthy Boundaries: Know when to say “No”. The holidays can come with many family, work, or friend obligations. When you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, give yourself permission to say “no”, without any guilt. Your family knows that you love them, even if you don’t attend every gathering. Your friends will understand if you need a night at home. Decide what is worth your time and energy and allow yourself to let everything else go.
- Treat Yourself: During the holidays, do things that spark joy. Maybe that’s going for a drive to see houses decorated for Christmas. Maybe it’s curling up on the couch with hot chocolate and watching your favorite holiday movie. Maybe it’s treating yourself to a haircut or a new video game. Find the things that make you feel good and know that you deserve to enjoy those moments.
blueFire PulsaR Can Help
Our wilderness therapy program for young adults offers a higher level of therapy than other programs but in a very hands-on applied manner. For instance, we use adventure activities as teaching tools. We have clients that have never been in wilderness environments doing things they never would have imagined they were capable of doing.
We help young adults step out of their comfort zone, improve their self-esteem, and help our clients build their confidence through self-success. Our program helps create positive changes and improvements through engagement and adventure. We have a supportive environment that encourages clients to push themselves physically and emotionally to create lasting changes. For more information please call (208) 269-7407.